Thinking of a Gap Year? Try SLPA life with us!

by Andee Szwabowski | Feb 20, 2026

A gap year can be a reset—time to earn money, gain experience, and get clear on what’s next. If you’re already on the speech and hearing path and want work that’s meaningful (and looks incredible on a resume), becoming a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) could be the perfect fit.

At Next Level Speech Therapy (NLST), we connect SLPAs to in-person, school-based roles where you can grow, feel supported, and make a real impact with students—every day.

First Things First: Who Can Be an SLPA?

An SLPA role isn’t an entry-level “try it out” job—it’s a professional role.

At NLST, our SLPA opportunities are for candidates who:

Already have a bachelor’s degree in the speech/hearing field, and
Meet SLPA requirements for the state they’re working in (requirements vary)

If you’re not quite there yet, you can still explore the field in other ways—but SLPA roles specifically require the right educational background.

Why a Gap Year Can Be the Perfect Time for SLPA Work

If you’re taking time between school, programs, or next steps, an in-person SLPA role can help you:

Earn income doing work that matters
Build hands-on experience in schools
Strengthen your resume for future opportunities (including grad school)
Gain clarity on your long-term direction
Grow your confidence working directly with students and teams

Instead of waiting to feel ready, you can step into a role that builds real skills fast.

What Does an SLPA Do in Schools?

SLPAs support students’ communication goals under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). In school settings, that often looks like:

Working 1:1 or in small groups with students
Practicing speech/language activities and goals created by the supervising SLP
Supporting skill-building in areas like articulation, language, and social communication
Documenting sessions and student progress (within your role)
Collaborating with school teams in a professional, student-centered way

It’s structured, meaningful, and incredibly rewarding—especially when you see a student’s confidence grow.

Why Work with NLST During Your Gap Year?

There are a lot of staffing companies out there. NLST is different—because we’re SLP-owned and operated and we genuinely understand what it takes to thrive in school-based work.

Here’s what you can expect with NLST:

1) In-Person Roles Only (Real School Experience)

Our SLPA opportunities are in schools, in person—so you’re getting hands-on experience that builds real confidence.

2) Support You Can Actually Feel

School systems can be a lot to navigate. You shouldn’t feel like you’re doing it alone. We prioritize guidance, communication, and having a team behind you.

3) Thoughtful Matches (Not “Fill a Slot” Staffing)

We care about fit—your strengths, preferences, and the environment where you’ll do your best work.

4) Professional Growth + Resume Value

If you’re considering your next step (including grad school), school-based SLPA experience can be a powerful foundation.

What You’ll Gain (Beyond a Paycheck)

SLPAs often walk away with:

Strong professional references
Confidence working with students and teams
Real experience in school systems and special education environments
Sharper communication and collaboration skills
A clearer vision for what’s next

For many people, this is where the “maybe someday” turns into “this is it.”

Ready to Explore SLPA Life with NLST?

Apply at www.nextlevelspeech.com

Your gap year doesn’t have to be a pause. It can be a launch.